Artist Statement
I am an interdisciplinary artist who primarily works in clay and photography. My thesis is deeply important to me, the question that I was most motivated to answer was how can clay therapy and meditation relieve anxiety symptoms. As an anxious adult myself, I was eager to design a protocol for clay therapy. I was inspired to create three movements and design on the clay because of artists that I collaborate with who inspire me.
This thesis explores the relationship between anxiety, clay, and art therapy, drawing on various scholarly sources, and arts based research. Anxiety is identified as a common condition, affecting approximately 19.1% of U.S. adults. The research suggests that working with clay, combined with meditation, can provide a therapeutic outlet for individuals experiencing anxiety. Clay therapy is posited to soothe the senses and facilitate a focused, creative experience that helps alleviate worries.
When creating my protocol I wanted to limit my materials as much as possible without lowering the quality of art. The materials used included pen and paper for journaling, guided meditation, stoneware clay, and various cutting tools. Additional items included a Nikon camera, iPhone 14 camera, plastic trash bags, an apron, and towels. The art-making process involved constant wetting of the clay to keep it malleable. Clay was cut from a block, rolled out, and then run through a slab roller. Feelings were documented in a journal pre- and post-meditation. For a separate two-week exercise, rolling clay balls was practiced, focusing on the tactile experience which was soothing and alleviated anxiety symptoms.
Thesis Abstract
This thesis will examine what therapeutic use of clay through movement along with meditation can do to avialevate symptoms of anxiety in adults. In the United States, more than 40 million adults suffer from an anxiety disorders, experiencing prolonged effects of stress and anxiety symptoms, which impact both body and mind. Integrative movements tailored to calm are performed on clay. These movements provide relief to physical as well as mental symptoms of anxiety such as twitching, increased heart rate and feelings of fear or dread.
While shaping the clay, meditation is used before and during the session as a tool combining art with therapy. My work used minimal materials, I mainly used my hands and fingers to create each design. Other materials used include a tripod, 30 lbs stoneware clay, nikon dslr, sketchbook, slab roller, and small cutting tools.
In result, three designs were made from clay. I documented in my sketchbook about my use of meditation and my personal experience of healing my anxiety symptoms. Movements and mediations are discussed from ceramicists as well as therapists.